Imported carbon fiber tripod (RT90C)

[clubsportmark]

Guys,

Hoping you can help. Purchased a RT90C, I’ve read through these 9 pages but am still a little confused.

Haven’t got a huge amount of experience using them, had a couple before but where cheap & cheerful set ups.

I’m not sure which route to go down and hoping you can help me out based on all the experience on here. Regarding my shooting I’m looking to keep the set up a lightweight as possible but will accept heavier options if it brings considerable gains. I doubt I need the option for crazy angles as I don’t shoot in any mountainous regions.

I already have a hog saddle which will house rifles which don’t have RRS / Arca set up, and two AI rifles that have RRS plates attached. So my choice needs to have a QD function to swapping between the both.

These’s are the options that I think I have:

1) Direct threading the Hog saddle to supplied video bowl and Leveling platform that came with the tripod. Purchasing an additional ball head to sit on the factory metal plate.

2) Ballhead - Sunwayfoto XB-52DL GNN. Comes with a plate adaptor to attach Hog, and from what I can read a good ballhead but perhaps not as a slick set up compared with the RRS SOAR range. However being in the U.K. is easier to source.

3) RRS - Ballhead BH-55 LR. Direct thread on top to the tripod. Heavy & expensive. But no doubt the most capable.

4) RRS - Anvil 30. Correct me if I am wrong, threads direct on top without an adaptor needed? Only negative I can see is that the QD lever’s are very close together and could accidentally flip the wrong one. Lightweight, cheaper and accept pic rail as well as RRS/Arca.

5) RRS Leveling base. TA-3 from what I’ve read can’t be used with the RRS supplied video bowl, but can use the Tripod supplied video bowl. However it’s limited movement and “gritty” in the stock bowl and doesn’t allow a pan it’s either locked on or off? Is that correct?

Also TA-2U-SC. Screws directly on and uses it’s own bowl? I can’t figure out if it’s a better or worse option to those above.

Please help with the pros and cons of each and help me arrive at a conclusion. Value for money is important to me, also there is quite a few options above so don’t confuse matters with other suggestions!

Thanks in advance, Mark

 

[just browsing]

Any tall guys using this tripod? I’m 6’5” in boots and trying to figure out if the RT90 will be tall enough for use with Binos on a leveling head... without having to hunch over or spread my legs out.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

Any tall guys using this tripod? I’m 6’5” in boots and trying to figure out if the RT90 will be tall enough for use with Binos on a leveling head... without having to hunch over or spread my legs out.

Gonna be close. But I would imagine most tripods will come up just a tad short as the RT90 is not a short tripod.

 

[just browsing]

The Leofoto 404c is about the only one I’ve found to be of adequate size. I think the PVA would work as well but Lord knows when I would actually get that.

The Leo is on sale on Amazon right now so may just need to bite the bullet and spend the extra money so I know I’m getting something that works.

 

[aggiez28]

I have not read all the rellies but it seems like it gets good Initial reviews. It would be I teresting to see how if does after a time period of significant use.

 

[never_summer]

Any tall guys using this tripod? I’m 6’5” in boots and trying to figure out if the RT90 will be tall enough for use with Binos on a leveling head... without having to hunch over or spread my legs out.

just measured the rt80 at full extend and the arca base on my lh-55 no neck is at 67-3/4”. I’m 6’-2” and if I mounted anything on it, probably would be a stretch to high for me

 

[Guiseppe83]

I saw that site as well during my research and it just seemed too fishy for me.

I rocked a $314 amazon “Desmond” with ball head works fine to this day. Great for optics — fair for rifle. Curious if you’ve compared the rt-90c to a leofoto? Like leofoto on-364c?

 

[65x55guy]

Guys,

Hoping you can help. Purchased a RT90C, I’ve read through these 9 pages but am still a little confused.

Haven’t got a huge amount of experience using them, had a couple before but where cheap & cheerful set ups.

I’m not sure which route to go down and hoping you can help me out based on all the experience on here. Regarding my shooting I’m looking to keep the set up a lightweight as possible but will accept heavier options if it brings considerable gains. I doubt I need the option for crazy angles as I don’t shoot in any mountainous regions.

I already have a hog saddle which will house rifles which don’t have RRS / Arca set up, and two AI rifles that have RRS plates attached. So my choice needs to have a QD function to swapping between the both.

These’s are the options that I think I have:

1) Direct threading the Hog saddle to supplied video bowl and Leveling platform that came with the tripod. Purchasing an additional ball head to sit on the factory metal plate.

2) Ballhead - Sunwayfoto XB-52DL GNN. Comes with a plate adaptor to attach Hog, and from what I can read a good ballhead but perhaps not as a slick set up compared with the RRS SOAR range. However being in the U.K. is easier to source.

3) RRS - Ballhead BH-55 LR. Direct thread on top to the tripod. Heavy & expensive. But no doubt the most capable.

4) RRS - Anvil 30. Correct me if I am wrong, threads direct on top without an adaptor needed? Only negative I can see is that the QD lever’s are very close together and could accidentally flip the wrong one. Lightweight, cheaper and accept pic rail as well as RRS/Arca.

5) RRS Leveling base. TA-3 from what I’ve read can’t be used with the RRS supplied video bowl, but can use the Tripod supplied video bowl. However it’s limited movement and “gritty” in the stock bowl and doesn’t allow a pan it’s either locked on or off? Is that correct?

Also TA-2U-SC. Screws directly on and uses it’s own bowl? I can’t figure out if it’s a better or worse option to those above.

Please help with the pros and cons of each and help me arrive at a conclusion. Value for money is important to me, also there is quite a few options above so don’t confuse matters with other suggestions!

Thanks in advance, Mark

this. I need help here getting a solid setup for a DTA SRS. Going to use the RT90C. Ordering an RRS rail for the bottom of my forend. Will he used for range work, some hunting, and potentially PRS matches out in the future. Any pointers on the rest of the setup?

 

[JM4590]

4) RRS - Anvil 30. Correct me if I am wrong, threads direct on top without an adaptor needed? Only negative I can see is that the QD lever’s are very close together and could accidentally flip the wrong one. Lightweight, cheaper and accept pic rail as well as RRS/Arca.

I can’t speak to the levers as I just received mine and have no time in the field with it, but I can tell you that it will mount directly to the tripod. What I found in my “ hurry up and let’s seee if this shit works” is that while standing, the setup is pretty good but not what I was expecting for stability, and again, that could totally be me and not having time behind the rig. Sitting is another story. That thing is rock solid. I could hold 1/2 minute of cat tail top at a pond 150 yds away. It would Ben my preference to sit or kneel when utilizing the tripod anyway. I’m anxious to get more shots behind this rig. As mentioned above, I think the real proof will be in the extended use and its ability to hold up. The Anvil will no doubt last many a year, and for the cpl hundred for the tripod I’ll take the chance. I’m a once a month match shooter AT BEST, so for me, it should be good solution to a more expensive rig. If I was shooting weekly, and was more of a shooter than a middle of the pack,and don’t care, I would probably opt for the RRS tripod and head.

Hope this helps , And just my .02

 

[kriller134]

I have the anvil and I feel it’s not an issue with the two levers. They’re so very different in shape that you can tell which lever you’re grabbing by touch alone. Your situational awareness has to be absent to get them mixed up.

 

[Ryan7839]

Just scored an RT90 from Amazon (prime 2 day shipping) $297, they have a $15 coupon going $282, and I signed up for their credit card (no annual fee) for a $125 gift card. $157!!

Now I need to reread these 9 pages to find the right BH!!

 

[Overkillphil]

I know this isn't RRS or Hogsaddle, but it's 54mm and pretty cheap for a low pro ballhead. Any thoughts? I'm a photographer, and own a number of tripods for my business, but have been thinking about getting a heavy setup for shooting. RRS is a solid product, but I'm not sure if I want to throw down the coin on a maybe.

https://www.amazon.com/XILETU-Panor...CW/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=

 

[Overkillphil]

I rocked a $314 amazon “Desmond” with ball head works fine to this day. Great for optics — fair for rifle. Curious if you’ve compared the rt-90c to a leofoto? Like leofoto on-364c?

What size was that Desmond? I just found a 55mm low profile ballhead from them, rated at 77lbs, for $169 on Amazon

 

[steve123]

Just scored an RT90 from Amazon (prime 2 day shipping) $297, they have a $15 coupon going $282, and I signed up for their credit card (no annual fee) for a $125 gift card. $157!!

Now I need to reread these 9 pages to find the right BH!!

Are you already a Amazon Prime customer? I tried to get the deal you told us about by just getting the Amazon store card but I only get $50 off.
What's the secret???

 

[Ryan7839]

Are you already a Amazon Prime customer? I tried to get the deal you told us about by just getting the Amazon store card but I only get $50 off.
What's the secret???

I have been a prime member for quite awhile. Not sure how they calculate the discounts.

 

[Guiseppe83]

What size was that Desmond? I just found a 55mm low profile ballhead from them, rated at 77lbs, for $169 on Amazon

Mine has the db52 ball head. Very happy with it to this day. Have taken many of shots off it with 20+lb rigs. Does loosen up and needs tlc & locktite. But never had failures. Using for glass it’s stellar and very light weight to pack. I have a rt90 arriving Tuesday. So hoping it also Mets my expectations. I’ll keep you in the loop

 

[itieknots7]

Guys,

Hoping you can help. Purchased a RT90C, I’ve read through these 9 pages but am still a little confused.

Haven’t got a huge amount of experience using them, had a couple before but where cheap & cheerful set ups.

I’m not sure which route to go down and hoping you can help me out based on all the experience on here. Regarding my shooting I’m looking to keep the set up a lightweight as possible but will accept heavier options if it brings considerable gains. I doubt I need the option for crazy angles as I don’t shoot in any mountainous regions.

I already have a hog saddle which will house rifles which don’t have RRS / Arca set up, and two AI rifles that have RRS plates attached. So my choice needs to have a QD function to swapping between the both.

These’s are the options that I think I have:

1) Direct threading the Hog saddle to supplied video bowl and Leveling platform that came with the tripod. Purchasing an additional ball head to sit on the factory metal plate.

2) Ballhead - Sunwayfoto XB-52DL GNN. Comes with a plate adaptor to attach Hog, and from what I can read a good ballhead but perhaps not as a slick set up compared with the RRS SOAR range. However being in the U.K. is easier to source.

3) RRS - Ballhead BH-55 LR. Direct thread on top to the tripod. Heavy & expensive. But no doubt the most capable.

4) RRS - Anvil 30. Correct me if I am wrong, threads direct on top without an adaptor needed? Only negative I can see is that the QD lever’s are very close together and could accidentally flip the wrong one. Lightweight, cheaper and accept pic rail as well as RRS/Arca.

5) RRS Leveling base. TA-3 from what I’ve read can’t be used with the RRS supplied video bowl, but can use the Tripod supplied video bowl. However it’s limited movement and “gritty” in the stock bowl and doesn’t allow a pan it’s either locked on or off? Is that correct?

Also TA-2U-SC. Screws directly on and uses it’s own bowl? I can’t figure out if it’s a better or worse option to those above.

Please help with the pros and cons of each and help me arrive at a conclusion. Value for money is important to me, also there is quite a few options above so don’t confuse matters with other suggestions!

Thanks in advance, Mark

The TA3 doesn't work without using the Tripods existing bowl (not optimal on my opnion).

However, RRS makes a TA4 for 100mm tripods and that "should" work. They are currently backordered on the long handle version, but as soon as B&H photo gets the long handle version in stock, I'm ordering one to test.

 

[itieknots7]

Anyone try the RRS 100mm TA4 yet?

The short handle version is FINALLY back in stock, but I'm holding out for the long handle version before ordering.

 

[itieknots7]

TA4 100MM leveling base back in stock at B&H Photo.

Order Placed! Will update the group when it arrives. I'm really hoping it provides a TA3 alternative WITHOUT having to use the RT90C's bowl adapter.

 

[itieknots7]

TA-4 100mm RRS Leveling Base arrived today.... going back to B&H tomorrow. Not even close fitting.

I'm still on the fence about using a TA-3 and the factory RT90C 75mm bowl... For the price of a RRS leveling base, I wanted all the buttery smoothness, and am a little apprehensive on how a modified TA-3 will feel.

I'm going to wait until Shot Show 2020 and see what RRS announces. I'd love to see a 75mm Anvil-30.

 

[MPHReallyRightStuff]

@itieknots7 there already is an Anvil-30 that has a adapter option for our apex instead of the leveling base or the platform. Fits the same as all our other pieces for the 3 series suregrip versa apex, can promise you if it will work on other manufacturers products.

Anvil-30 Shooting Ball Head

OverviewThe first of its kind Really Right Stuff SOAR Anvil-30 Ball head is purpose-built for heavy equipment support from the ground up. We added our patent-pending dual clamp system able to clamp both the RRS Dovetail standard and Picatinny rails in the same unit. We also removed extra...

soar.reallyrightstuff.com

 

[Jefe's Dope]

@itieknots7 there already is an Anvil-30 that has a adapter option for our apex instead of the leveling base or the platform. Fits the same as all our other pieces for the 3 series suregrip versa apex, can promise you if it will work on other manufacturers products.

Anvil-30 Shooting Ball Head

OverviewThe first of its kind Really Right Stuff SOAR Anvil-30 Ball head is purpose-built for heavy equipment support from the ground up. We added our patent-pending dual clamp system able to clamp both the RRS Dovetail standard and Picatinny rails in the same unit. We also removed extra...

soar.reallyrightstuff.com

View attachment 7224463

Been waiting for it to come back in stock.

 

[itieknots7]

@itieknots7 there already is an Anvil-30 that has a adapter option for our apex instead of the leveling base or the platform. Fits the same as all our other pieces for the 3 series suregrip versa apex, can promise you if it will work on other manufacturers products.

Anvil-30 Shooting Ball Head

OverviewThe first of its kind Really Right Stuff SOAR Anvil-30 Ball head is purpose-built for heavy equipment support from the ground up. We added our patent-pending dual clamp system able to clamp both the RRS Dovetail standard and Picatinny rails in the same unit. We also removed extra...

soar.reallyrightstuff.com

View attachment 7224463

I don't think that will work with the RT90C. The RT90C is an oddball because the main opening is allegedly 100mm (even though it didn't work with the TA4) only the bowl adapter is 75mm.... unless I'm missing something.

For those of us that cheaped out and bought the RT90C, I think the only options are to run a RRS Ballhead, threaded Anvil, or universal leveling base.... unless you want to use a TA3 with the RT90C's 75mm bowl adapter.

Thank you for your response. Pretty nice of you considering we are talking about CHICOM tripod legs and trying to use RRS products with them.

 

[kriller134]

@Rexwagon are you still planning on making more anvil mounts?

 

[pell1203]

I don't think that will work with the RT90C. The RT90C is an oddball because the main opening is allegedly 100mm (even though it didn't work with the TA4) only the bowl adapter is 75mm.... unless I'm missing something.

I believe the default when you buy the package with the leveling base is to include the 75mm bowl adapter. However, you do have the option, depending on where you get it, to request the 100mm bowl adapter instead of the 75mm.

I did not get the 100mm bowl adapter but I understand that you still need the adapter to use the tripod with 100mm accessories as the tripod itself is not setup to accept 100mm accessories without using the adapter.

 

[Scotch_egg]

Just message the Chinese to make the tripod to fit the anvil ?

Much like leofoto

 

[itieknots7]

Just message the Chinese to make the tripod to fit the anvil ?

Much like leofoto

The sad thing is I'm sure they already have copies spun up.

 

[Diver160651]

Guys come out and shoot our team match this year.. it’s a cheap 1 day with free camping and worth every penny. Put your tripod to the test..

sorry shameless plug

Jim T

 

[Rexwagon]

@Rexwagon are you still planning on making more anvil mounts?

In the process of another variation. Will post on here soon with update.

 

[kriller134]

In the process of another variation. Will post on here soon with update.

Cool man looking forward to it.

 

[CageFighter]

Just message the Chinese to make the tripod to fit the anvil ?

Much like leofoto

it's that easy? ?

 

[Scotch_egg]

it's that easy? ?

scarily easy. I used to work in the mountain bike Industry many years ago. Back then it was Taiwan that could copy anything. Sent the dimensions over and they reverse engineer. There was an online trade book with manufacturers.

 

[Rexwagon]

Ok. Here is variation two. Using the RRS adapter for the anvil 30

 

[kriller134]

Ok. Here is variation two. Using the RRS adapter for the anvil 30

That looks great. How did you attach the 2 plates together?

 

[Rexwagon]

That looks great. How did you attach the 2 plates together?

the outer holes will be drilled and tapped to thread some bolts in there. The inners will I think are going to be set screws. More pics to follow soon

 

[CageFighter]

Ok. Here is variation two. Using the RRS adapter for the anvil 30

nice to know we have some handy folks around here.

 

[MPHReallyRightStuff]

Just for my benefit to help you guys who call and ask me for compatibility, have any of you tried this?

Series 4 to Series 3 Tripod Apex Adapter | TA-4-AA3

DetailsSeries 4 to Series 3 Tripod Apex Adapter

www.reallyrightstuff.com

It is what people use to go from our 4 series to 3 series tripod accessories



@itieknots7 I can get bent sometimes when there are blatant rip offs without improving at all on the design but I will never get pissed off at you guys. I know you are going to buy what you can afford. And if you are still trying to use some of our gear, all I can do is try and help you in getting it right.

 

[itieknots7]

Just for my benefit to help you guys who call and ask me for compatibility, have any of you tried this?

Series 4 to Series 3 Tripod Apex Adapter | TA-4-AA3

DetailsSeries 4 to Series 3 Tripod Apex Adapter

www.reallyrightstuff.com

It is what people use to go from our 4 series to 3 series tripod accessories



@itieknots7 I can get bent sometimes when there are blatant rip offs without improving at all on the design but I will never get pissed off at you guys. I know you are going to buy what you can afford. And if you are still trying to use some of our gear, all I can do is try and help you in getting it right.
View attachment 7225575

I'm afraid that probably wouldn't work, as the TA-4 was already found to be too tight. I imagine the TA-4 and the "Series 4 to series 3" collar have the same diameter.



Since I want to use this for both photography and shooting, I'll most likely just stick with the BH-55 with a panning clamp. The Anvil looks really awesome, but I'd still need a ballhead for photography.

 

[MPHReallyRightStuff]

thank you, ill remember that for the calls.

 

[Rexwagon]

So. Drilled and tapped for it to fit. The bottom is drilled for the original hook that came with the tripod to hang a bag off of. That’s the adapter. I will use it and proof it out. And then if anyone else is interested in getting some made. Lmk.

split the two apart And add the 4 screws they hold the anvil 30 to the adapter plus the center stud.

 

[midwestoffroad]

So. Drilled and tapped for it to fit. The bottom is drilled for the original hook that came with the tripod to hang a bag off of. That’s the adapter. I will use it and proof it out. And then if anyone else is interested in getting some made. Lmk.

split the two apart And add the 4 screws they hold the anvil 30 to the adapter plus the center stud.

 

[Rexwagon]

@midwestoffroad is my machinest. He is the handy one.

 

[kriller134]

I’m definitely interested. What kinda pricing are we looking at?

 

[facelessrick]

Got the rt-80c and lh-55 no neck ballhead. Seems pretty stable, haven’t shot off it yet. I’m pretty happy with it, going to be mainly used for spotting

have you gave this tripod a try yet from shooting off it i was looking in to the same set up

 

[midwestoffroad]

I’m definitely interested. What kinda pricing are we looking at?

Somewhere in the neighborhood of 60$ I am doing them one off . And not gonna mass production anything .

 

[Corprin]

scarily easy. I used to work in the mountain bike Industry many years ago. Back then it was Taiwan that could copy anything. Sent the dimensions over and they reverse engineer. There was an online trade book with manufacturers.

I worked in the performance Subaru world for a bit. My boss would send his competitor’s parts to a fabrication house in Thailand. They’d copy the design, add a couple “custom” features, and boom, new product with zero R&D.

 

[itieknots7]

Somewhere in the neighborhood of 60$ I am doing them one off . And not gonna mass production anything .

I would definitely buy one if you are taking orders!

 

[kriller134]

Somewhere in the neighborhood of 60$ I am doing them one off . And not gonna mass production anything .

Ok cool. Are you planning on making the first version too so you don’t have to use the rrs plate?

 

[never_summer]

have you gave this tripod a try yet from shooting off it i was looking in to the same set up

Yeah, we shot it at the 100 yard range different positions. Ended up not taking it to Mammoth 2020 because we weren’t proficient enough with it and didn’t want the weight penalty. Shooting from a kneeling position the setup is stable, it’s got a good bit of wobble zone when using it standing up. Like I said, it’s my first tripod and I have very little experience shooting off them. I’ll give it some more practice

 

[facelessrick]

Yeah, we shot it at the 100 yard range different positions. Ended up not taking it to Mammoth 2020 because we weren’t proficient enough with it and didn’t want the weight penalty. Shooting from a kneeling position the setup is stable, it’s got a good bit of wobble zone when using it standing up. Like I said, it’s my first tripod and I have very little experience shooting off them. I’ll give it some more practice

ok thank you it will be my first also